Explorers traveling the world picked up on the tattoos they saw across the globe. The best way to bring the artistic styles they saw abroad back to the states was on their skin. In this way, explorers brought back tattoos with influences from around the world.

Tattoos became popular amongst soldiers in the Civil War. Soldiers chose from designs such as military insignia and names of loved ones in order for their bodies to be identified in the event of their death. Post-war, soldiers and sailors came back home sporting tattoos and decorated their bodies with more to celebrate their survival. At this time in the 1800’s, tattoo culture was popular among those who served, as well as outcasts. With society becoming more aware of tattoos, the first patented electric tattoo machine was released by Samuel O’Reily on December 8, 1891.survival.

Tattoos were still not fully accepted in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Freak shows and circuses boasted tattooed men and women. Eventually, postcards and pictures of these performers were being sold, allowing a unique fame to form for these performers. Tattooed women who were being paid at circuses and freak shows became independent, which led to bolder women getting tattoos as an act of self-liberation and taking control of their own bodies. Tattoos also became practical during this time as women started getting cosmetic tattoos, while other members of society would tattoo their social security numbers on themselves to remember them. Though these practical tattoos were a bit more accepted in the 1930’s, most people kept these secrets to themselves as tattoos were still viewed as taboo.

It is in the 40’s that the American Traditional tattoo style was born. Colorful designs and adaptations from Asia became popular at this time. Throughout the 50’s, thousands of soldiers settled back into their lives after the WW2 economic boom, most of whom had tattoos while serving. The “Sailor Jerry” tattoos became popular (patriotic designs, pin-up girls, the classic “mom” tattoo). These veterans were heroes, with their ink becoming a piece of that image. Though tattoos were still not fully accepted at this time, manliness was now signified through getting inked.

The countercultural movement during the 70’s invited people to get tattoos of peace signs, hippie symbols, and more intense ink like full sleeves and bodysuits. More female tattoo artists entered the industry as well, bringing influences from fine art and music with them, which opened up space for new designs and imagery. The 80’s brought tattoos to the mainstream in full light. With the punk movement and rebellion exploding in popularity, self-expression took the lead and exposed society to dyed hair, piercings, and tattoos. The 90’s introduced normalization of tattoos as celebrities flaunted their ink across the globe.